Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
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Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency | |
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Synonyms | EPI |
Pronounce | N/A |
Specialty | N/A |
Symptoms | Steatorrhea, weight loss, malnutrition, abdominal pain, bloating |
Complications | Malabsorption, vitamin deficiency |
Onset | Varies |
Duration | Long-term |
Types | N/A |
Causes | Chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic cancer, diabetes mellitus |
Risks | Smoking, alcohol consumption, genetic disorders |
Diagnosis | Fecal elastase test, 72-hour fecal fat test, serum trypsinogen |
Differential diagnosis | Irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, Crohn's disease |
Prevention | N/A |
Treatment | Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, dietary modifications |
Medication | Pancrelipase |
Prognosis | N/A |
Frequency | Common in cystic fibrosis patients, varies in general population |
Deaths | N/A |
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is a medical condition characterized by the pancreas's inability to produce and secrete sufficient digestive enzymes into the small intestine. This leads to symptoms of malabsorption syndrome, abdominal discomfort, and bloating. EPI can be caused by various factors including chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and autoimmune disorders.
Introduction[edit | edit source]
EPI occurs when the exocrine function of the pancreas is impaired, leading to difficulties in digesting food properly due to a lack of digestive enzymes.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Common causes of EPI include:
- Chronic Pancreatitis: Long-standing inflammation of the pancreas.
- Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder affecting the lungs and pancreas.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions where the immune system attacks the pancreas.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Symptoms of EPI typically include:
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss despite a normal appetite
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Fatty stools (steatorrhea)
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of EPI may involve:
- Blood tests for nutrient deficiencies
- Fecal tests to measure enzyme levels
- CT scans or MRI for structural assessment
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for EPI focuses on managing symptoms and may include:
- Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT)
- Dietary modifications
- Vitamins and supplements
- Treating the underlying cause
Management and Prognosis[edit | edit source]
Effective management involves:
- Regular monitoring and adjustments in therapy
- Lifestyle changes to cope with dietary restrictions
- Psychological support for chronic illness management
Prevention[edit | edit source]
While EPI itself may not be preventable, managing risk factors can be crucial, such as:
- Avoiding alcohol and smoking
- Managing underlying conditions like diabetes
References[edit | edit source]
- Johnson, T. & Brown, A. (2022). Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Gastroenterology.
- Singh, V. K., & Anderson, M. A. (2023). Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. Clinical Medicine Insights.
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Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen, Prab R. Tumpati, MD